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July 13, 2026
“Fortune Favors the Moving Person”: Navigating the “Year of Water” in 2026 Through the Lens of Universal Law
LOUNGE | The Study of Universal Principles
2025 was the year of the “Two Black Earth Star.” A year of stability, where the star suppressed consumption, leading to a subdued economy with little growth. While the Nikkei average reached the 50,000 yen mark, real wages continued to decline year-on-year, and bankruptcies hit a 10-year high. The dominant colors were black, beige, and yellow, the kanji of the year was “bear,” and long queues formed for raw donuts.
Kyuusei Kigaku (Nine Star Ki Astrology) is the practice of foreseeing the atmosphere of a year based on the arrangement of stars, and “The Study of Universal Principles” is based on this. Its characteristic lies in its overwhelming positivity. The philosophy underlying “The Study of Universal Principles” is that anyone can overcome any situation.
With the turn of the year on the first day of spring, let's look forward to an even better 2026 according to the principles of Ki astrology. We spoke with Tetsuro Saito, a master of Kyuusei Kigaku and The Study of Universal Principles, about how to improve one's luck through one's own actions.
Text by TSUZUMI Aoyama | Photographs by TAKAYANAGI Ken
Reviewing 2025 and Outlook for 2026
First, how does Saito-sensei interpret 2026? In Ki astrology, the star in the center determines the year's atmosphere. From February 4, 2026, to February 3, 2027, the “One Black Water Star” will occupy the center of the chart.
The star of water, represented by the number one and black. The harshness of winter suggests caution against heavy rains, large typhoons, and floods. Indeed, early in the year, three typhoons successively made landfall in Europe, and Hawaii experienced its first major flood in 20 years. In Japan, Kushiro saw unusual heavy snowfall in April.
The color trends are white and transparent. In 2017, the previous year of the One Black Water Star, amazake became a boom, hailed as “drinkable IV fluid,” and even a white cola based on amazake was released by a conveyor belt sushi chain. Nintendo also released the pure white Wii Fit during the previous One Black Water Star year. Saito-sensei jokingly remarked, “Perhaps Nintendo studies Ki astrology.”
Saito-sensei interprets the year of water as a time when things that flow, are clear, and connect people will flourish. Applied to industries and businesses, this would include platforms where information and networks flow like water, the fields of beverages and cleanliness represented by white and transparent colors, and disaster prevention and safety, which are the flip side of water-related disasters.
White, Transparent, and Water-Related Elements, Along with the Image of Beginnings
The One Black Water Star has another facet: the number one, the star of beginnings. Therefore, this year could see tectonic shifts where entire sectors are replaced. Is it the economy, politics, or technology? While Saito-sensei avoids naming specifics, the rapid advancement of generative AI is likely at the forefront.
However, he doesn't subscribe to a doomsday view. “It’s better if AI advances,” he says. The purpose of studying The Study of Universal Principles is to be on the side that uses AI advantageously, rather than being swayed by it.
“If you know who you are, you shouldn't be swayed by how AI evolves or what you should do,” says Saito-sensei.
Now, let's look at the year ahead for each of the nine stars. By comparing your own star with those of people close to you, you can gain a more three-dimensional understanding. If you don't know your star, please check the quick reference table for the Nine Stars here.
Hints for Your 2026 Outlook
One Black Water Star
The protagonist of this year. The star resides in the “Palace of the King” in the central position. Both luck and physical strength are exceptionally high, making it a year to see your endeavors through. Major decisions that are usually difficult to make, such as independence, marriage, building a house, or going public with a business, tend to coincide this year. Don't hesitate to make dynamic moves. The point of caution is interpersonal relationships; your strong influence might lead to a lack of consideration for those around you.
The protagonist of this year. The star resides in the “Palace of the King” in the central position. Both luck and physical strength are exceptionally high, making it a year to see your endeavors through. Major decisions that are usually difficult to make, such as independence, marriage, building a house, or going public with a business, tend to coincide this year. Don't hesitate to make dynamic moves. The point of caution is interpersonal relationships; your strong influence might lead to a lack of consideration for those around you.
Two Black Earth Star
The “Palace of Elegance,” located in the northwest of the chart, is where the Two Black Earth Star finds itself this year, allowing you to savor the fruits of your labor. The star configuration suggests that the efforts of the previous year will yield results. This is a time to harvest your “bounty” and enjoy it with a sense of fulfillment. However, those who neglected their efforts in previous years will have no harvest, and those who sowed the wrong seeds will see unexpected outcomes. It is a year where the “answers” from your past actions will emerge.
Three Red Wood Star
This year, the Three Red Wood Star is in the west of the chart, the “Palace of Joy” filled with many enjoyable things. However, this position is also subject to “Teii Taichu,” a turbulent energy that can bring about health problems or troubles. The common scenario is becoming flighty, leading to excessive spending or romantic entanglements. Be mindful if this resonates with you. It's also advisable to be cautious with investments. Of course, you don't need to suppress your enjoyment; the key is to “reset by the next day.”
This year, the Three Red Wood Star is in the west of the chart, the “Palace of Joy” filled with many enjoyable things. However, this position is also subject to “Teii Taichu,” a turbulent energy that can bring about health problems or troubles. The common scenario is becoming flighty, leading to excessive spending or romantic entanglements. Be mindful if this resonates with you. It's also advisable to be cautious with investments. Of course, you don't need to suppress your enjoyment; the key is to “reset by the next day.”
Four Green Wood Star
The northeast of the chart is the “Palace of Change,” where everything shifts. This year, the Four Green Wood Star enters this position. It will be a year of upheaval, with personal initiatives leading to changes and external factors altering your environment. Conversely, it's crucial to pay extra attention to things you wish to stabilize, such as family or team dynamics. On the other hand, the incoming flow carries the nuance of “all things in life are unpredictable.” It is also necessary to embrace change with courage.
Five Yellow Earth Star
The south of the chart, where the Five Yellow Earth Star resides, has two faces: it is the “Palace of Revelation,” where hidden things come to light, and also the “Palace of Separation,” where relationships tend to break. During such times, be particularly wary of secrets, as the risk of exposure is higher than ever. Arguments are also prone to causing rifts in relationships, so try to avoid disputes. However, Five Yellow is a special star with vigorous luck. This year, the Horse of the zodiac is your ally, potentially leading to significant opportunities.
The south of the chart, where the Five Yellow Earth Star resides, has two faces: it is the “Palace of Revelation,” where hidden things come to light, and also the “Palace of Separation,” where relationships tend to break. During such times, be particularly wary of secrets, as the risk of exposure is higher than ever. Arguments are also prone to causing rifts in relationships, so try to avoid disputes. However, Five Yellow is a special star with vigorous luck. This year, the Horse of the zodiac is your ally, potentially leading to significant opportunities.
Six White Metal Star
This year, the Six White Metal Star is in the lowest position of the Nine Stars chart, the north. It is in the “Palace of Contemplation and Study,” where deep thought prevails but energy declines. This is compounded by “Anken Satsu,” which indicates unexpected disasters, making it the year with the lowest luck and vitality in nine years. Lower the bar for yourself and others, and embrace acceptance and relaxation. On the other hand, your thinking ability will be enhanced, making it an excellent time for study and reading. For instance, you could use this time to relearn challenging subjects like generative AI for career advancement. This is a preparatory year for the favorable period starting next year.
Seven Red Metal Star
The southwest of the chart, where the Seven Red Metal Star is located, is the “Palace of Preparation and Groundwork,” signifying a season of laying the foundation. A period of four years of upward momentum begins now. First, focus on developing business plans and life strategies, dedicating time to research and building consensus. Even as things improve, proceed cautiously by double-checking everything, and the next three years will bring further leaps. Expanding your social network, in particular, will lead to greater fortune. It's a time to look beyond your current environment and meet new people.
The southwest of the chart, where the Seven Red Metal Star is located, is the “Palace of Preparation and Groundwork,” signifying a season of laying the foundation. A period of four years of upward momentum begins now. First, focus on developing business plans and life strategies, dedicating time to research and building consensus. Even as things improve, proceed cautiously by double-checking everything, and the next three years will bring further leaps. Expanding your social network, in particular, will lead to greater fortune. It's a time to look beyond your current environment and meet new people.
Eight White Earth Star
The east of the chart, where the Eight White Earth Star resides, is the “Palace of Development.” Last year, with the influence of Anken Satsu and Teii Taichu, many likely found themselves entangled in troubles or felt a decline in their fortunes. However, this year marks a complete reversal with a surge in luck. What you say and what you start will grow remarkably. The momentum is so strong that it's harder to find points of caution; it would be a waste to stagnate this year. The Eight White Earth Star is inherently suited for significant endeavors. Don't hesitate to utilize its capacity.
Nine Purple Fire Star
This year, the Nine Purple Fire Star is positioned in the “Palace of Harvest and Fulfillment,” where wishes take shape and things come to order. Among the nine stars, it is the strongest this year. Furthermore, it is favored by a benevolent deity known as “Toku Jin.” Opportunities that arise will expand significantly, and endeavors will bear fruit in a positive manner. Proceed with confidence. Nine Purple is also the star of charisma. Humility is unnecessary now; reign with confidence. The “Palace of the King” awaits next year.
This year, the Nine Purple Fire Star is positioned in the “Palace of Harvest and Fulfillment,” where wishes take shape and things come to order. Among the nine stars, it is the strongest this year. Furthermore, it is favored by a benevolent deity known as “Toku Jin.” Opportunities that arise will expand significantly, and endeavors will bear fruit in a positive manner. Proceed with confidence. Nine Purple is also the star of charisma. Humility is unnecessary now; reign with confidence. The “Palace of the King” awaits next year.
In Unstable Times, Find Your Anchor
If you feel anxious about the flow of your star's energy, there is a remedy: seeking auspicious directions (Kihō-tori). By traveling to a direction where energy converges and absorbing the energy of that place, you can return renewed. In urban areas, traveling two or more train stops away and staying for about two hours is sufficient. Visiting a shrine, interacting with water, and enjoying good food can change your energy levels. In years where the flow is unpredictable, it's wise to proactively build up your reserves.
War, money, AI. Unprecedented and unknown phenomena are constantly emerging around us. When we feel overwhelmed, it is all the more important to have a place to return to, a place that reminds us of who we are.
If you know it's going to rain, you can bring an umbrella. Whatever the weather may be in 2026, knowing the flow of your star's energy will surely serve as a small umbrella. In which palace does your star reside this year?
Tetsuro Saito
Master of The Study of Universal Principles and Ki Astrology. Grandson of the late Koyu Sasaki, a Ki astrology master and Doctor of Philosophy. He began receiving instruction in Ki astrology and philosophy from Koyu from the third grade of elementary school. He moved to the United States at age 20 to study media communication. After returning to Japan, he worked as an interpreter for politicians and athletes before becoming an independent Ki astrology instructor in 2013. He provides Ki astrology guidance to a wide range of clients, including politicians, chairpersons of listed companies, celebrities, Olympic athletes, and ordinary housewives. As of March 2024, he has instructed over 10,000 people in Ki astrology.
Master of The Study of Universal Principles and Ki Astrology. Grandson of the late Koyu Sasaki, a Ki astrology master and Doctor of Philosophy. He began receiving instruction in Ki astrology and philosophy from Koyu from the third grade of elementary school. He moved to the United States at age 20 to study media communication. After returning to Japan, he worked as an interpreter for politicians and athletes before becoming an independent Ki astrology instructor in 2013. He provides Ki astrology guidance to a wide range of clients, including politicians, chairpersons of listed companies, celebrities, Olympic athletes, and ordinary housewives. As of March 2024, he has instructed over 10,000 people in Ki astrology.